I've bee pretty lucky with this bag: https://www.kiteboarding.com/proddetail ... travel_140 Took it to Baja, Hatteras and Panama with no issues. I keep it under 50lbs. The bag compresses down nicely. I've only paid normal check baggage fees except for international where it has flown free as a second checked bag.

I use to use a Liquid Force Golf Bag (that looked like a golf bag) but it was heavy and bulky. It started drawing too many looks.

IF the agent asks I just say I am carrying a snowboard or wakeboard. I even have said kiteboard not kitesurf. With no issue.

The best thing to do is check your airlines check baggage policy for sporting equipment. Most have a 50lb or less policy and max linear length. Southwest will let you check 2 bags for free. As long as it isn't over 50lbs.

Sooooo many threads on this and the bottom line seems to be that the NSI Golf bag has the best record for not getting you charged...I have two of them and have never been charged even in Cabarete. Keep 'em under 50 lbs. and you're almost always good. Only challenge is when you are flying the little inter-island planes (small Cessnas) as they have challenges with fitting the bags, nothing that Ben Franklin can't cure. Curb side checkin with a healthy tip is also a good strategy...